A lucky photographer catches a rare sighting of the largest elephant herd in the world as they drink and bathe by a river. The reclusive 650-strong herd appeared from the bushes in Zakouma National Park, Chad, just long enough for Nina Waffenschmidt, 33, to take a series of photographs.

The elephants stay clear of humans visiting the 1,158-square-mile park, because they have been relentlessly hunted by poachers in the past, but Ms Waffenschmidt watched as the animals played and...more »

A lucky photographer catches a rare sighting of the largest elephant herd in the world as they drink and bathe by a river. The reclusive 650-strong herd appeared from the bushes in Zakouma National Park, Chad, just long enough for Nina Waffenschmidt, 33, to take a series of photographs.

The elephants stay clear of humans visiting the 1,158-square-mile park, because they have been relentlessly hunted by poachers in the past, but Ms Waffenschmidt watched as the animals played and ate just 50 metres away from her. The management consultant from Hamburg, Germany, was visiting the park on a safari trip when her guide suggested they follow the herd and wait for them to emerge and drink. SEE OUR COPY FOR DETAILS.